1Woe to her that is filthy and polluted , to the oppressing city ! 2She obeyed not the voice ; she received not correction ; she trusted not in the LORD ; she drew not near to her God . 3Her princes within her are roaring lions ; her judges are evening wolves ; they gnaw not the bones till the morrow . 4Her prophets are light and treacherous persons : her priests have polluted the sanctuary , they have done violence to the law . 5The just LORD is in the midst thereof; he will not do iniquity : every morning doth he bring his judgment to light , he faileth not; but the unjust knoweth no shame .
The Judgment of the Nations
6I have cut off the nations : their towers are desolate ; I made their streets waste , that none passeth by : their cities are destroyed , so that there is no man , that there is none inhabitant . 7I said , Surely thou wilt fear me, thou wilt receive instruction ; so their dwelling should not be cut off , howsoever I punished them: but they rose early , and corrupted all their doings . 8Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the LORD , until the day that I rise up to the prey : for my determination is to gather the nations , that I may assemble the kingdoms , to pour upon them mine indignation , even all my fierce anger : for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy .
The Promise of Restoration
9For then will I turn to the people a pure language , that they may all call upon the name of the LORD , to serve him with one consent . 10From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my suppliants , even the daughter of my dispersed , shall bring mine offering . 11In that day shalt thou not be ashamed for all thy doings , wherein thou hast transgressed against me: for then I will take away out of the midst of thee them that rejoice in thy pride , and thou shalt no more be haughty because of my holy mountain . 12I will also leave in the midst of thee an afflicted and poor people , and they shall trust in the name of the LORD . 13The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity , nor speak lies ; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth : for they shall feed and lie down , and none shall make them afraid .
The Joy of Salvation
14Sing , O daughter of Zion ; shout , O Israel ; be glad and rejoice with all the heart , O daughter of Jerusalem . 15The LORD hath taken away thy judgments , he hath cast out thine enemy : the king of Israel , even the LORD , is in the midst of thee: thou shalt not see evil any more. 16In that day it shall be said to Jerusalem , Fear thou not: and to Zion , Let not thine hands be slack . 17The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty ; he will save , he will rejoice over thee with joy ; he will rest in his love , he will joy over thee with singing . 18I will gather them that are sorrowful for the solemn assembly , who are of thee, to whom the reproach of it was a burden . 19Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee: and I will save her that halteth , and gather her that was driven out ; and I will get them praise and fame in every land where they have been put to shame . 20At that time will I bring you again , even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth , when I turn back your captivity before your eyes , saith the LORD .